Communicating your company’s commitment to a polarizing topic can bring on paralyzing fear. The idea of taking a firm stance on a cause your brand believes in, especially when your competitors are not vocalizing their own beliefs or making their own commitments—whether it is climate change; gender equality; diversity and inclusion; fair labor practices; sexual assault; or LGTBQ issues—can feel risky. This is especially true in 2020, with the way that information is consumed and spread at such a rapid pace with one small, vocal commitment having the potential to go viral.

It’s been two years since President Trump announced plans for the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. And while Congress continues to battle it out on how to proceed, utilities across the nation continue to step up and strengthen their commitment to a clean energy future, announcing ambitious goals for carbon reduction. Just last year, Xcel Energy became the first to announce plans to go carbon free by 2050. And the climate commitments keep coming.

Gillette standing alongside the transgender community. Disney standing up to the State of Georgia for its position on abortion. National Grid standing behind our planet, stating clearly, as a utility, its position on global warming.